In 2008, Julia’s father, Capt. Robert Yllescas, was injured by an IED in Afghanistan. He was flown to National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, but died one month later. He was buried in Nebraska, according to KOLN.
“It hurts and it’s absolutely suffocating,” the high school senior told CNN. Although more than a decade has passed since she has seen her dad, Julia’s senior pictures make it seems as though he’s still with her.
With the photos she took, Susanne was able to create the “angel picture” Julia had hoped for.
“I was teary-eyed when I was editing them, all I could think in my head is I don’t ever want to have to do this for my own kids,” Susanne, who is an active-duty military wife, told KOLN.
When Susanne shared the photos of Julia and her father online, there was an immediate reaction. She’s since received requests from others asking if she could superimpose images of their loved ones.
The breathtaking photos of Julia holding an America flag next to her father and the two of them looking into each other’s eyes have been shared more than 45,000 times since Susanne posted them on her Facebook.
“I can’t even put into words how it makes me feel, knowing he’s still with me,” Julia said.
Even though Julia’s father is not physically with her, he’ll always be right by her side.
These are such beautiful photos. I couldn’t help but tear up when I saw them.
Share this if you cried while viewing these photos! Also, let’s thank Susanne for creating such stunning photos for Julia and her family.